Hepatitis C infection among drug addicts

Objective: To assess the prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus infection among drug abusers, identify the possible associated risk factors and recognize the characteristics of Hepatitis C Virus positive drug addicts in order to conclude possible health strategies for this category of patients. Drug addicts are prone to develop Hepatitis C Virus infection that can spread concealed to the population. Method: Structured questionnaires were copied from the files of patients hospitalized in Jeddah Al-Amal Hospital during March/April 1998. Results: Striking high prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus infection was seen among drug addicts and accounted for 63.9%. Intravenous route users were at triple risk to develop Hepatitis C Virus infection (P<0.05). Heroin addicts were also at triple risk to develop Hepatitis C Virus infection but results were just at level of significance. Alcohol consumers and jobless drug addicts were at higher risk; of Hepatitis C Virus infection but results did not reach statistical significance. Hepatitis C Virus infected drug rue addicts showed a significantly higher mean ALT and mean number of relapses than Hepatitis C Virus negative addicts. Conclusion: Drug addicts are at tremendous risk of Hepatitis C Virus infection. National health educational programs, directed to the population, are mandatory. Hepatitis C Virus screening should be routinely done to all drug addicts. Assessment of liver functions for all Hepatitis C Virus positive drug abusers are crucial and the liver condition of the patients should be taken in consideration during the detoxification therapy.